Local Bakery Offers Fresh Start For Women Recovering From Addiction

Albany, GA- The Bread House and Granary in Albany may look like your average bakery, but to the women who work there, it's much more. To them, it's a second chance.

"I had almost given up," said Shawna Floyd, a resident of GraceWay Recovery. "I had gotten into a lot of trouble. I lost contact with my family, my friends; and coming here and being able to work and make new healthy friends and get my life back together; It's definitely possible for anyone."

The Bread House is fully staffed by the residents of Graceway Recovery which treats women who are struggling with drug and alcohol addictions.

"They come here after a couple months of GraceWay, transition slowly, and learn all kinds of new skills, deal with the general public and get equipped to move on to other outside employment," explained Liz Dixon, the Executive Director of GraceWay.

Each day the women prepare everything from freshly baked breads to fiber bars and homemade cookies. But most importantly, they say, they're preparing themselves for a healthy future.

"When I first came, you know, I sort of felt like I couldn't work and I wouldn't fit in, and it's kind of like getting back in society, and starting to work and get used to doing normal everyday things and it's a safe environment to do that," said Floyd.

Kyle James celebrated two years of sober living today. She also spent time working at the Bread House, but now works as a counselor for women in recovery and their families.

"It's not about becoming this whole new person; It's about them becoming who they've always been," she said. "I think that's the biggest thing, because these girls, including myself, we are strong strong strong people."

The baked goods are also sold at New Leaf Market in Tallahassee.

For more information go to: www.thebreadhouse.com or www.gracewayrecovery.com

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.